Ray Dean Butcher of Lebanon passed away Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in Lebanon South Nursing and Rehab in Lebanon. At the time of his passing, he was eighty-four years, nine months and eleven days.
Dean was born Nov. 7, 1938 in Liberal, Kan. to Wayne Butcher and Doris M. Louthan. He spent his early years in Kansas, California and Colorado and moved to Missouri in 1967.
On June 29, 1957, Dean was married to the love of his life and best friend, Peggy Louise Weaver. They were blessed with four sons, Randy, Tracy, Jeff and Kelly. The couple shared fifty-seven years of happiness and laughter, as well as stood together during the difficult times.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Peggy in 2014; and an infant sister.
Ray Dean is survived by his sons, Randy Butcher and his wife, Rose, Tracy Butcher, Jeff Butcher, and Kelly Butcher and his wife, Shirley, all of Lebanon; his grandchildren, Nathan Butcher and his wife, Karissa, Tristan Butcher and his wife, Kayla, Cori Butcher-Wagner and her husband, Van, Tayden Butcher, Cody Butcher, Kayla Butcher, Kerri Ann Butcher and Johnny Thompson; a number of great-grandchildren; two brothers, Larry Butcher and Terry Butcher, both of Law Vegas, Nevada and a sister, Peggy McDonald of Stockton, California.
Dean was employed as a delivery driver for Coca-Cola Bottling Company and then drove for Herman Lumber Company. He also was employed at Lynch Furniture Store, Furniture Factory Outlet and at Wal-Mart.
He was a hard worker and dedicated to his family. He enjoyed fishing and being outdoors in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks. He loved watching football, from the Lebanon Yellow Jackets to the Kansas Chiefs, he was a fan.
Dean always looked forward to spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They gave him so much pride and joy and he treasured the times he could be with them.
His love and devotion he had to his family and his grandchildren will be remembered and admired for years to come.
Dean had professed his faith in Christ and was a member of Community Baptist Church near Lebanon. He requested there not be a service held so we are respecting his wishes.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to assist with funeral expenses and donations may be made to the Holman Howe Funeral Home.
